El DoradovsBitter Gold

El Dorado and Bitter Gold are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Bitter Gold

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.8%

Beta acid

4.5–8%

Total oil

0.8–3.9 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick El Dorado

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

When to pick Bitter Gold

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

TropicalPearWatermelonStone fruit

Only in El Dorado

FruityCandy

Only in Bitter Gold

GrassyGrapefruitFloral

Property

PropertyEl DoradoBitter Gold
Alpha acid13–17%12–18.8%
Beta acid6.4–8%4.5–8%
Co-humulone28–33%36–41%
Total oil2.5–3.3 mL0.8–3.9 mL
Myrcene55–60%45–68%
Humulene10–15%7–18%
Caryophyllene6–8%7–11%
Farnesene0–1%0–2%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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